Explorer Tour: Cairns Waterfalls, Crystal Cascades & Behana Gorge Day Trip
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
5–6 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers who can manage short uneven walks, steps and brief rock scrambling; basic swimming ability recommended.
Overview
A flexible full-day loop from Cairns that threads rainforest walks, cooling swimming holes and dramatic waterfalls into one accessible adventure. Swim at Crystal Cascades, stand beneath Clamshell Falls at Behana Gorge, and pass local landmarks like Walsh’s Pyramid and the Gordonvale sugar mill.
Explorer Tour: Cairns Waterfalls, Crystal Cascades & Behana Gorge Day Trip
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You turn off the highway and the air changes—thick, humid, scented with eucalyptus and damp leaf mold. The van eases onto a narrow road framed by towering figs and scree of ferns; sunlight slips through the canopy in strips. On the Explorer Tour by Cairns Waterfalls the rainforest feels deliberately close: water is a presence that keeps appearing—at the next bend, in the hush above a swimming hole, in the steady drum of a distant fall.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring swim kit and quick-dry layers
Pools and falls are the highlights—pack swimmers, a towel and a lightweight top you can wear after a swim.
Wear shoes with grip
Tracks and river rocks can be slippery; sturdy sandals or trail shoes reduce the risk of slips.
Use reef-safe sunscreen
Oils and creams wash into freshwater pools; choose reef-safe products and apply before arriving at water.
Plan for humidity and bugs
Late afternoon brings more insects—carry insect repellent and a light long-sleeve layer.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Azure kingfisher
- Green tree frog
History
The Gordonvale area grew around sugarcane and the refinery; the landscape reflects both Indigenous connection to country and colonial agricultural development.
Conservation
Trails and public pools are fragile—stick to paths, carry out waste, and use reef-safe products to protect freshwater ecosystems.
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Adventure Hotspots in Cairns
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Swimmers and quick-dry towel
Essential for the tour’s swimming stops and for drying between swims.
summer specific
Trail shoes or grippy sandals
Protects ankles and provides traction on wet, uneven rocks and rainforest tracks.
Reusable water bottle (1–2 L)
Hydration is critical in humid tropical conditions—refill where offered by guides.
Insect repellent & reef-safe sunscreen
Keeps bugs at bay and protects freshwater pools from harmful chemicals.
summer specific